Rejoining the community after incarceration requires community support. Some of these ex-offenders have been in prison since they were 13 years old and have no idea what life is like outside of prison. Now, they want to integrate back into society. Let us rally behind the residents at the halfway house, such as Sam and Mari.

Sam and Mari are at different stages of their lives. Nonetheless, both of them hope to finish the last stretch of their sentences and work hard towards their respective goals: Sami wants to work for a better future, while Mari hopes to provide for his family.

The men are undergoing a rehabilitative curriculum, serving the in-house phase of their community-based programme. 3 months after the in-house phase, they will be connected with various stakeholders to secure employment. During this interim period, the men do not have the means to send money to their families or to cover their own expenses. They urgently want to reconnect with their families and hope to be part of their loved ones’ lives again after release.

Ray of Hope is raising $7,650 for four residents and their families’ living expenses for three months, while the residents complete their probation. Your support will provide Sam and Mari, among other residents, with the opportunity to change for the better.

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Sam’s story:

At 8, Sam lost his mother. Two years later, he lost his father. At 13, Sam resorted to stealing as he was left to fend for himself. The lack of family love also resulted in the beginning of the prison cycle for him.

“55 records is enough for me. I do not want the prison life anymore.”, Sam shared.

Sam, now 76, is now serving the last leg of his sentence. While he is still on probation, he helps clean the compound of the halfway house before he gets placed for job interviews. Sam hopes to be able to provide for himself financially and lead a with basic necessities and live a prison-free life.

Mari’s story:

“I want to come back up again and prove everybody wrong.” – Mari, 33

Mari is one of the youngest residents in the halfway house. Since 2017, Mari has spent his life in correctional and rehabilitation institutions, because of his struggle with drugs.

Prior to his incarceration, Mari was a tattoo artist and earned a decent monthly income. He was also supporting his 10 year-old son from his previous marriage.

Having graduated with a NITEC in Electrical Wiring, Mari hopes to find a job that he enjoys. He will be applying for the position of an interior designer after he passes his probation.

Mari is currently engaged and is getting married next month. His fiancé is supportive in helping him in his change, and Mari wants to be able to provide for his family after he starts working. With a future to look forward to, Mari wants to start his new life and to never use drugs again.